Staying Active During the Holiday Season
Stay Active During the Holiday Season. Tips for Every Age Group
The holiday season often brings a welcome break from our usual routines, but it can also disrupt our regular fitness habits. With a few mindful adjustments, you can stay active without feeling overcommitted. Whether you’re a young athlete, an active or relatively sedentary adult, or an older adult, here’s recommendations for staying active during the holiday season without over committing.
For Young Athletes: Rest and Light Activity
Holidays offer young athletes a crucial opportunity to rest and recharge, essential for long-term athletic development. However, it’s important to maintain some level of physical activity to prevent deconditioning and keep the body ready for regular training.
- Fun, low-pressure activities like casual games with friends, hiking, or cycling with family are great ways to stay active without the intensity of regular sports practice.
- Holiday-themed fun runs or charity walks allow athletes to stay fit while participating in community events.
- Most importantly, young athletes should listen to their bodies and prioritize rest. This break can help them recover from minor injuries or fatigue, setting them up for success when training resumes.
For Adults: Short, Flexible Workouts
Many adults face packed holiday schedules, with social events, travel, and family obligations. Even with limited time, staying active is possible with short, flexible exercise sessions.
- For active adults, quick workouts like a 20-minute morning jog, brisk lunchtime walk, or a short HIIT session can keep you conditioned.
- Incorporate movement into daily activities: take the stairs, park farther away, or stretch during TV breaks.
- For relatively sedentary adults, the holidays are a great time to start small. Daily walks or beginner-friendly yoga can help reduce stress and improve flexibility. Focus on activities that are enjoyable and stress-free, making them easier to fit into your holiday routine.
For Older Adults: Gentle, Consistent Movement
Staying active during the holidays is vital for older adults to maintain mobility, balance, and overall health. Gentle activities promoting flexibility and joint mobility are ideal.
- Yoga and tai chi are excellent choices, enhancing flexibility, reducing stress, and improving balance—important for preventing falls.
- Swimming or water aerobics provides a low-impact, full-body workout. Walking in a shallow pool offers similar benefits if swimming isn’t accessible.
- Strength training is important for maintaining muscle mass and bone density, which naturally decline with age.
- Older adults should listen to their bodies and avoid overexertion. The goal is to stay active in a way that feels comfortable and sustainable.
Take Home Message for the Holiday Season
Maintaining fitness during the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By incorporating movement that fits naturally into your routine—whether you’re a young athlete, an adult, or an older adult—you can stay active without overcommitting. The key is to move in a way that brings joy and balance to your holiday celebrations, keeping your health and well-being a priority.
At Pivotal Motion Physiotherapy, our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to helping you improve your quality of life. If you’re looking for a tailored exercise program or guidance during the holiday season, get touch with Pivotal Motion’s Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiologist team today. Our team will be able to discuss with you in more depth on how we can help you. Book online or call us on 3352 5116.